Overcoming Anxiety Through Skydiving and Music with Violinist Dina Nesterenko

Overcoming Anxiety Through Skydiving and Music with Violinist Dina Nesterenko

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with internationally acclaimed violinist Dina Nesterenko to explore performance anxiety, fear, control, and what it truly means to reclaim freedom in both art and life. What unfolds is an honest, vulnerable conversation about healing in unexpected ways and learning to trust yourself again. Dina shares her extraordinary journey from growing up as a child prodigy in Siberia during the collapse of the Soviet Union, to competing on the world’s most prestigious stages and studying at elite institutions like Curtis and Juilliard. Along the way, she opens up about the intense pressure, criticism, and emotional harm she experienced, challenges that deeply impacted her confidence and led to severe performance anxiety. Shelly and Dina dive into the surprising role skydiving played in Dina’s healing. As a licensed skydiver, Dina explains how facing fear head-on, learning emergency procedures, and embracing imperfection transformed her relationship with anxiety, control, and self-expression. Together, they explore how fear often lives in anticipation rather than action, how perfectionism limits growth, and how letting go of scarcity and obsession can open the door to fulfillment and opportunity. This conversation is a moving reflection on courage, resilience, and the freedom that comes from choosing growth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Key Takeaways: * Fear often lives in anticipation. Anxiety is strongest before the moment, not during the action itself. * Control shapes anxiety. Understanding what you can and cannot control changes how fear shows up in your life. * Perfectionism limits growth. Mistakes can be powerful teachers when self-compassion replaces self-criticism. * Discomfort creates freedom. Choosing to face fear intentionally can lead to profound healing and confidence. * Letting go invites abundance. Releasing obsession and scarcity allows opportunities to unfold naturally. * Growth is painful, but transformative. True change requires discomfort, patience, and trust in the process. ___ Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, life coach, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide. Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky. SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness. Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com [http://shellyonealwellness.com]  Connect with her online:  https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/]  ___ Guest Dina Nesterenko is an internationally acclaimed violinist, educator, and performer known for her fearless artistry and emotional depth. Raised as a child prodigy in Siberia, she represented Russia in major international competitions before continuing her studies at Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School on full scholarship. In addition to her musical career, Dina is a licensed skydiver who credits the sport with helping her overcome performance anxiety, perfectionism, and fear. She continues to perform internationally while inspiring others through her story of resilience and transformation. Learn more and listen to her performances on YouTube: Dina Nesterenko violin [https://www.youtube.com/@dinanesterenko5604]

Skincare, Confidence, and Wellness with Kelsey Marie

In this warm and encouraging episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with Kelsey Marie, a talented esthetician and young entrepreneur who is redefining wellness through confidence, consistency, and genuine connection. Together, they explore the relationship between inner well-being and outer care, and how intentional self-care can be both healing and empowering. Kelsey shares how her passion for aesthetics began early, how she moved straight from high school into aesthetic school, and what it took to build her business from the ground up. She speaks candidly about trial and error, finding clients through courage and persistence, and learning how to balance artistry with the realities of running a business. Shelly and Kelsey discuss the importance of mindset, choosing opportunities that support both mental health and professional growth, and the value of healthy competition and mentorship. They also explore how working closely with clients, especially women in seasons of transition, allows aesthetics to become a powerful tool for confidence, healing, and connection. This conversation is an honest look at entrepreneurship, wellness, and what it means to truly care for yourself and others while building something meaningful. Key Takeaways: * Confidence is built through consistency.  Healthy routines and intentional care help people feel stronger from the inside out. * Wellness is both internal and external. Feeling good in your body supports emotional healing and self-esteem. * Entrepreneurship requires courage. Building a business means taking initiative, embracing discomfort, and showing up. * Competition can be healthy. When approached with the right mindset, it pushes growth and raises standards. * Opportunities require intention. Not every opportunity supports mental health and long-term vision. * Community matters. Supportive workplaces and mentors play a critical role in personal and professional fulfillment. ___ Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, life coach, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide. Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky. SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness. Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com [http://shellyonealwellness.com]  Connect with her online:  https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/]  ___ Guest Kelsey Marie is a licensed esthetician and entrepreneur based in Paducah, Kentucky. She specializes in a wide range of facial services, including nano infusion facials, dermaplaning, and lash lifts and tints. Known for her client-centered approach, Kelsey is passionate about helping people feel confident, supported, and cared for, especially during seasons of transition and healing. She currently practices at Serendipity Spa in downtown Paducah. Connect with Kelsey on social media: Facebook: Kelsey Marie Esthetician [https://www.facebook.com/Kels.SkinStudio#] Instagram: @__estheticsbykels [https://www.instagram.com/__estheticsbykels/]

The Magic of Music, Human Connection, and the Power of Imperfection with Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti

In this beautiful and thought-provoking episode, Shelly O’Neal welcomes internationally acclaimed orchestral conductor Raffaele Livio Ponti, whose life story is as compelling as the symphonies he brings to life. Together, they explore the intersection of music, humanity, resilience, and the changing rhythms of our modern world. Raffaele shares his family’s immigrant beginnings, his early years surrounded by Italian opera, and the unexpected path that led him from violin to trumpet to conducting some of the world's premier orchestras. His reflections on discipline, mentorship, and imposter syndrome paint an honest portrait of what it means to excel at a young age, and to continually rise to the moment when the target keeps moving. Shelly and Raffaele dive deep into the evolving landscape of music and art, the power of community, and why live performance matters more than ever in a world saturated with technology. They unpack how our pace of life shapes our emotional rhythm and reconnect over the shared belief that true fulfillment comes not from perfection, but from presence, vulnerability, and the courage to grow. This conversation is a masterclass in meaning, mindfulness, and the healing potential of art. Key Takeaways: * Art is community. Music is meant to be shared, our hearts literally sync when we listen together. * Resilience is flexibility. The goal shifts, life changes, and success requires continual adaptation. * Perfection isn’t the point. True art, and true life, lives in the flaws, risks, and human moments. * Technology gives us access, not connection. Overstimulation can drown out curiosity, engagement, and authentic creativity. * Rhythm shapes emotion. The pace of our cities, our schedules, and our music influences how we feel and how we live. * Presence heals. Music, movement, and shared experience regulate the nervous system and bring us back to ourselves. ___ Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide. Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky. SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness. Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com [http://shellyonealwellness.com]  Connect with her online:  https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/]  ___ Guest Raffaele Livio Ponti is an internationally acclaimed conductor celebrated for his dynamic personality, charismatic performances and richly expressive interpretations. Built on the mentorship of the great Giuseppe Sinopoli, he combines intellectual depth with an emotional, color-filled sound that engages both musicians and audiences. With a busy global schedule leading major orchestras across Europe and the U.S., he also teaches, coaches and collaborates with prominent contemporary composers and soloists, bringing classical music to life with creativity, community and impact. Learn more about his work at rponti.com.

Podcasting, Legacy & Wellness with Amy Hartmann

In this insightful and empowering episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with Amy Hartmann, founder and CEO of SoTrue, a podcast production agency that helps businesses grow through meaningful conversations and authentic storytelling. Together, they explore the intersection of wellness, leadership, and entrepreneurship—and how intentional choices can transform not only how we work, but how we live. Amy shares her journey from teacher to founder, how she built a thriving marketing company by accident, and why she ultimately chose to focus exclusively on podcasting. She opens up about a life-changing health scare that forced her to rethink stress, boundaries, and success—and how those lessons have reshaped the way she leads her company and supports her team. Shelly and Amy discuss the evolution of podcasting, the balance between technology and human connection, and what it means to build a culture rooted in trust, delegation, and purpose. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and redefining success on your own terms. Key Takeaways: * Purpose creates longevity. When your work aligns with your mission, impact naturally follows. * Boundaries are leadership. Saying no and setting limits models healthy success for your team. * Hustle isn’t health. Constant productivity without balance leads to burnout—not achievement. * Connection is the future. In a world of AI, real human conversations remain irreplaceable. * Delegation builds culture. Empowering others strengthens your team and your wellbeing. * Wellness is a practice. Movement, rest, hydration, and gratitude matter as much as any business metric. ___ Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide. Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky. SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness. Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com [http://shellyonealwellness.com]  Connect with her online:  https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/]  ___ Amy Hartmann is the founder and CEO of SoTrue, a podcast production and strategy company helping business owners grow their reach, authority, and revenue through intentional podcasting. With a background in education and marketing, Amy has built multiple successful companies and now dedicates her work to helping others amplify their message and impact. Connect with Amy online:www.sotruemedia.com [http://www.sotruemedia.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heysotrue] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heysotrue]| LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sotruemedia/]

Building Connection and Fighting Isolation with Sara Horak

In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with Sara Horak, creator of The Know Your Neighbor Game, to explore how one simple idea sparked a movement toward connection, empathy, and mental wellness. What began as a way to help her children make friends has now grown into a nationally recognized social-emotional learning tool used in schools, workplaces, and homes across the country. Sara shares how her journey as a mom, entrepreneur, and advocate for mental health led her to design a game that helps people, of all ages, rediscover the joy of genuine human connection. She opens up about the personal stories behind the game’s creation, the heartwarming moments that affirmed her mission, and why kindness and small acts of compassion can change lives. Together, Shelly and Sara discuss how isolation affects emotional health, why connection is essential to wellness, and how laughter and curiosity can bridge differences. They also touch on simple daily habits that strengthen both mental and physical well-being, from walking and yoga to mindful acts of kindness. Whether you’re an educator, parent, leader, or simply someone craving deeper connection, this conversation is a powerful reminder that one person, and one moment of kindness, can truly make a difference. Key Takeaways: * Connection heals. The Know Your Neighbor Game creates meaningful engagement that helps combat isolation. * Small actions matter. Even one kind gesture can change someone’s day, or life. * Laughter unites us. Humor and play are powerful tools for building trust and community. * Wellness is a daily practice. Simple habits like walking, meditation, and gratitude strengthen overall well-being. * Kindness multiplies. Paying it forward creates ripples of positivity that extend far beyond ourselves. * Everyone can make a difference. You don’t have to save the world, just start with one person, one moment, one starfish. ___ Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide. Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky. SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness. Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com [http://shellyonealwellness.com]  Connect with her online:  https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/]  ___ Sara Horak is the creator of The Know Your Neighbor Game, a social-emotional learning and team-building tool that fosters connection, communication, and belonging across classrooms, companies, and communities. What started at her family’s kitchen table has become a nationwide movement promoting kindness and conversation. Connect with Sara and explore The Know Your Neighbor Game:knowyourneighborgame.com [https://knowyourneighborgame.com/] Instagram: @knowyourneighbor_game [https://www.instagram.com/knowyourneighbor_game/]